Schwarzenegger: ‘No one cares if you smoke a joint’

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has caused controversy by declaring “no one cares” about cannabis use, just weeks after downgrading the punishment for possession of the drug.

The Hollywood actor-turned-politician signed off a state law last month which means anyone caught with less than an ounce (28 grams) of marijuana will no longer face arrest or a criminal record. Offenders will be handed a $100 fine instead, with Schwarzenegger likening the punishment to “a speeding ticket.”

During an appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” on Monday, the “Terminator” star dismissed recreational marijuana use, telling the host, “No one cares if you smoke a joint or not”.

But Schwarzenegger, who will leave office in January 2011, admits the recently defeated legislation to decriminalize smoking pot “went a bit too far”, adding, “And it was written badly.”